2024 Donegal Election Results: Sinn Féin’s Strong Performance & Future Implications

Live Updates on the Donegal Election

02:08 AM: Counting will continue tomorrow at 10 AM.

01:54 AM: Padraig MacLochlainn of Sinn Féin follows his colleague Pearse Doherty. MacLochlainn received 3,296 surplus votes, totaling 13,095.

01:46 AM: Sinn Féin secures the second seat in Donegal with Padraig MacLochlainn’s election.

01:05 AM: Many counters from the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny have left for home. Counting is expected to conclude after the second count.

12:42 AM: Counting is ongoing in Letterkenny, while it resumes across the country later today. About a quarter of the 34th Dáil seats have been filled.

12:36 AM: Senator Niall Blaney believes Minister Charlie McConalogue will secure the fourth seat in Donegal, citing a significant vote cushion.

12:22 AM: Reports suggest Thomas Pringle and Charles Ward could secure the last two seats over Minister McConalogue.

12:15 AM: A fire alarm briefly halted election proceedings right after the first count declaration.

11:53 PM: Returning Officer Geraldine O’Connor announced results, with a 58.9% turnout in Donegal.

11:37 PM: Surplus votes from Pearse Doherty are being calculated.

11:31 PM: Pearse Doherty announced 18,898 first preference votes. He exceeds the quota of 12,771 and is declared elected on the first count.

11:15 PM: Pearse Doherty of Sinn Féin elected on the first count.

10:26 PM: The first count is imminent.

10:14 PM: Charlie McConalogue arrives at the count centre in Letterkenny.

09:15 PM: Awaiting results; Pearse Doherty is expected to lead the first count.

09:02 PM: 12 TDs have been elected to the 34th Dáil; Sinn Féin leads with 6 seats so far.

08:52 PM: Pearse Doherty aims to be the next Finance Minister.

08:34 PM: Outgoing Fine Gael TD, Joe McHugh, praises his party colleagues as he departs politics.

07:47 PM: Counting continues with spirits high among candidates.

07:40 PM: Padraig MacLochlainn is set to take the second Sinn Féin seat due to surplus votes from Doherty.

06:39 PM: Jack Murray from Sinn Féin acknowledges challenges ahead in forming a government.

06:02 PM: Pat the Cope Gallagher is optimistic about securing a seat.

05:31 PM: Senator Nikki Bradley concedes she will not win a Dáil seat but remains committed as a Senator.

04:20 PM: Counting for Pearse Doherty is underway, expected to benefit other candidates’ transfers.

03:40 PM: Tally figures indicate Pearse Doherty leads with 19,213 votes (24.7%).

03:20 PM: Ballot boxes have opened; first count anticipated later.

12:53 PM: Sinn Féin is confident in securing three seats based on current tallies.

12:10 PM: Initial tallies show Pearse Doherty leading with 19.2%.

10:55 AM: Counting progresses slowly; early indications show Sinn Féin performing well.

09:43 AM: Results from Inishowen show Sinn Féin securing good support for Padraig MacLochlainn.

08:40 AM: Crowds gather outside the Aura Leisure Centre for the election count.

08:30 AM: 20 candidates vie for 5 seats in Donegal.